U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Nielsen (right) an infantry team
Summary
U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Nielsen (right) an infantry team leader from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Thyne an infantry team leader from Clinton, Iowa, both of Company A, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, exchange a high-five after working their way up a steep mountainside outside the village of Shebatkyl Feb. 3. The last time the soldiers of Company A attempted to enter Shebatkyl, they fought through an ambush of enemy forces firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from multiple directions on the surrounding mountains. This time, the soldiers were able to enter the village, conduct a key leader engagement with village elders which focused on working with the coalition to secure the town from insurgents operating in the Sygal valley, and drink chai tea with the people. 1st Bn., 133rd Inf. Regt., Task Force Ironman, is a part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, TF Red Bulls, and the Iowa National Guard.